Oxford Archaeology is one of the largest independent archaeological practices in Europe. Our size and reputation ensure that we work on the most exciting and varied projects and can offer real opportunities for long-term employment and career development. We have offices in Cambridge, Lancaster and Oxford and are a registered heritage charity.
The position:
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced, enthusiastic, talented, and highly motivated Palaeobotanist to work within our environmental team on a diverse and exciting portfolio of projects from a range of single and multi-period sites across the UK. The range of work we carry out spans all stages of the planning process from project design through fieldwork, assessment and laboratory analysis, to post excavation publication. You will be working with a project-focused team of specialists from a range of disciplines, committed to promoting a holistic and integrated approach to archaeological, palaeoenvironmental and landscape investigation in collaboration with our clients.
While the role will be based in our Lancaster office it is offered as either a full-time or a part-time role and there are significant opportunities for hybrid working for the right candidate. There is likely to be a requirement to make occasional site visits and to supervise coring activities. There will also be a requirement for mentoring/coaching of more junior staff, providing feedback as and when required to aid their development.
OA is committed to inclusivity and collaboration, working cross-sector with both commercial and academic partners, and has a reputation for quality, innovation, and digital enterprise.
Position requirements:
Essential
- A post-graduate qualification in environmental archaeology or related archaeological, biological, geoarchaeological or earth science discipline.
- Demonstrable experience of the identification, assessment, analysis and reporting of at least one palaeobotanical class (pollen, seeds, wood and charcoal) including the use of appropriate software.
- Experience of working in British archaeology, including significant experience of fieldwork within the UK.
- Practical experience of taking specialist samples by coring or other appropriate techniques.
- Practical experience of a range of field and laboratory methods including detailed sediment recording and interpretation and extraction and identification of plant macrofossils and/or microfossils.
- Significant evidence of participation in academic or commercially based research through published papers and/or submitted reports.
- A flexible approach and willingness to learn new techniques and methodologies.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, ideally in a commercial environment.
- Demonstrable IT aptitude.
- Proficient and demonstrable report writing skills.
- Excellent time management and problem-solving skills. The ability to take responsibility and successfully work to project deadlines and budgets.
Desirable
- Experience of integrating palaeoenvironmental proxy data and scientific dating results into deposit models.
- Experience of hydrological modelling that may be applied to assessment and monitoring of wetland environments.
- Practical experience of archaeological fieldwork in a UK commercial setting
- Familiarity with the archaeology of northern Britain.
- Ability to identify and report on other microfossils (eg diatoms, ostracods, foraminifera, phytoliths, insect remains) to at least assessment level.
- Demonstrable experience of training and mentoring less experienced staff
- Familiarity with the principles of open data as well as ethical considerations around data sharing in commercial archaeology
- Enthusiasm for community engagement
- A full, clean driving licence and willingness to drive company vehicles is highly desirable.
- A current CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card.
Applicants should be members, or eligible for membership, of the CIfA at the appropriate level. In return, we offer an exciting range of employee benefits.
Employee benefits:
- Competitive salary range £30,379 to £36,029: appointments will be made on the basis of demonstrated ability, previous experience and CIfA membership if appropriate.
- 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays and up to 3 concessionary days at Christmas.
- Company pension scheme.
- Training and opportunities for career progression.
- 100% of CIfA subscription fees.
- High quality personal protective equipment (inc. breathable waterproofs, fleeces etc) for fieldwork.
- Cycle to work scheme.
For further information about the role, please contact Rebecca Nicholson (Head of Environmental Archaeology) at rebecca.nicholson@oxfordarchaeology.com or Fraser Brown (Regional Manager, OA North) at mailto:fraser.brown@oxfordarchaeology.com.
Please apply by completing an on-line application form:
https://oxfordarchaeology.com/jobapplication
Please submit a CV and covering letter with your application.
Closing Date: Monday 29th May 2023.
Oxford Archaeology is an Equal Opportunities employer. All applications are judged on the relevant skills and experience of the candidate, and not by gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, belief, age, nationality (other than where work permits may be required), or ethnicity. You must meet the requirements to live and work in the UK, as set out by UK Visa and Immigration - see https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
Registered Charity No. 285627; Company Registration No. 1618597